It will never compete with the UFC. Bellators champions could come over and be competitive, maybe even win a belt, but lets take it for what it is, a minor league. I enjoy Bellator, but lets not get any grandiose delusions about its existence.

No one has any illusions or delusions. Its another org, more fights, better for the sport. There is no Pride in todays landscape. But keep in mind, this sport is young. 10 years ago UFC was a shadow of Pride. Who knows what 10 years from now will look like. Dont hold an alliance to an organisation, hold one to the sport because it will grow and change in ways you cant imagine and you will just be disappointed.

No one has any illusions or delusions. Its another org, more fights, better for the sport. There is no Pride in todays landscape. But keep in mind, this sport is young. 10 years ago UFC was a shadow of Pride. Who knows what 10 years from now will look like. Dont hold an alliance to an organisation, hold one to the sport because it will grow and change in ways you cant imagine and you will just be disappointed.

I wouldnt say UFC was a shadow to PRIDE in 2003. They were much closer than UFC/Bellator is or ever will be.

I agree with your point though. MMA is awesome to watch all the way across the boards. Most all Bellator champs would fair pretty well in the UFC, and possibly be title contenders.

No one has any illusions or delusions. Its another org, more fights, better for the sport. There is no Pride in todays landscape. But keep in mind, this sport is young. 10 years ago UFC was a shadow of Pride. Who knows what 10 years from now will look like. Dont hold an alliance to an organisation, hold one to the sport because it will grow and change in ways you cant imagine and you will just be disappointed.

The problems are that 1) it's not a "strong" number 2, just a passable one that has yet to make it into the black, and 2) the option it give fighters is that if you're successful enough in Bellator they will trap you there forever, even if you've fulfilled all the fights on your contract. The UFC, despite their position as the world's premier promotion, does not actually do this (for the record, Randy Couture still had fights on his contract when he tried to leave).

Bellator is not benefiting the sport (or themselves even) the way an ethically run #2 would, which is a shame because their format legitimately helps it stand apart, and their has more talent than they usually get credit for.

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